Copper

We recently lost our beautiful lab-pit mix girl-dog, Copper, to lymphoma. Copper was 14 and 1/2 years old, and we became 'her' humans when she was about 7-8 months. She was rescued from the streets of L.A. by a lady who named her Stella. But we re-named her Copper, because she had a shiny copper-colored coat, with brindle stripes. She taught us that often the best things in life are simple things - like fresh cold water after a warm evening walk, the smell of cool dewy air at 6 AM, clean sheets on a fluffy bed after a long day. Also that good manners are an absolute must, but it's important to recognize and protect the family from uninvited interlopers. Most of all, she taught us to always remember to display everlasting love and sincere affection to those we love, even if they are 'only' returning from a trip to the grocery store. In other words, never take life and those you love for-granted. In the 14 years she was part of our family, the well-mannered, beautiful girl in the shiny brindle fur-coat never forgot a kind voice or gesture, and lived life with unbridled joy and enthusiasm. This dog forever changed the way my family views animals, and I am profoundly grateful to our beloved Copper for the lessons she taught us - 'her' beloved humans.